Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard

PATCO to test ‘Quiet Cars’

PATCO riders might find more peace of mind, starting next Thursday.

PATCO riders might find more peace of mind, starting next Thursday.

Around the clock Monday through Friday, as part of a three-month test program, the last car of each train will be designated a Quiet Car, relatively free of voices and electronic noises.

The system relies on passengers following a few rules, which will explained through announcements and signs.

Earphones should be used to listen to music or play electronic games. Cellphones, put on mute or vibrate, should be used only for texting.

The initiative started after an online survey showed strong interest by riders. Another survey will determine if the program should continue, according to PATCO.

SEPTA has had a similar program, called QuietRide, on its regional rail lines since 2009. On weekday trains with three or more cars, the first one is where electronics should be off, on mute or vibrate, or used with earphones.

Even on non-QuietRide cars, SEPTA asks riders to minimize cellphone use by using mute or vibrate and keeping calls brief. Passengers should try to speak softly during all conversations. (See www.septa.org/service/rail/quietride.html.)

PATCO also urges all riders to be more courteous.

"The Quiet Car pilot program dovetails with a train etiquette campaign now underway encouraging our customers to be more polite," said Cheryl Spicer, assistant general manager.

Besides PATCO, the Delaware River Port Authority operates PATCO operates the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges. (See www.ridepatco.org or www.drpa.org.)

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.